Lawrence A. Baker, Research Professor

Profile

My research applies my hybrid education in environmental engineering and ecology to the study of applied biogeochemistry, with a focus on human ecosystems – cities and farms. I like to work in “Pasteur’s quadrant”, moving between theory and application. My research is highly interdisciplinary, and I often lead interdisciplinary research groups. In recent years, I have been very active in various synergistic activities, including many workshops on urban sustainability, both as an organizer and participant. I have become increasingly interested in how social and political factors drive the biogeochemistry of urban systems and how these systems will have to adapt to create resilient human ecosystems.

International WaTERS Research and Training Network (Water-related Training, Education and Research in the global South), co-applicant with Leila Harris (PI) and 8 others, Social Science Research Council of Canada, $200,000, awarded 3/28/14.

Recent consulting

Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy – ongoing (confidential).

Northeastern Minnesota Friends of Wilderness - analysis of potential impacts of a large copper mine, 2013-2015.

Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy – testimony on various water quality regulations; testimony on water quality problems with a copper and iron mining (various projects, 2006-2015); testimony for ethanol plant EAW, 2009.

Friends of the Sunrise River – this was pro bono consulting, in my role as the organization’s chair, on the environmental and social impacts of a proposed gas-fire power plant (2008-2009). The plant was not built; a solar energy plant was recently built on the site.

American Water Works Research Foundation - analysis of salt sources in municipal water systems (with CH2MHill), 2002-2004.

City of Phoenix Water Services Department – project to reduce tastes and odors in water supplies (with ASU), 1999-2002.